Halifax marks sixth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with ceremonies, closures and fundraising
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, marks the sixth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. While not a statutory holiday in Nova Scotia, Halifax observes the day with memorial events, transit adjustments, facility closures and an orange illumination of City Hall.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, marks the sixth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an annual commemoration honouring children who died in residential schools and survivors. The day is designated as a federal statutory holiday but is not a statutory holiday in Nova Scotia.
Sipekne'katik First Nation will hold events at the residential school memorial site in Shubenacadie starting at 10 a.m., including remarks, cultural teachings and activities for children. In Halifax, Mayor Andy Fillmore is scheduled to read a proclamation for the commemoration at 1:30 p.m. at Peace and Friendship Park on Hollis Street. All Saints Anglican Cathedral in Halifax will host author Chris Benjamin discussing the legacies of the Shubenacadie Residential School.
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will screen Indigenous-created short films from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with free admission for Indigenous people. Halifax City Hall will be illuminated orange to mark the occasion; CBC reports the illumination will continue until Oct. 2, while SaltWire reports it will be lit from Tuesday to Friday.
Pam Glode-Desrochers, executive director of the Mi'kmaw Friendship Centre, states the centre reached close to 10,000 people this year through its programming. The Mi'kmaw Friendship Centre is partnering with East Coast Lifestyle for orange T-shirt sales to fund a new 70,000 sq. ft. facility under construction on Gottingen Street. The Kjipuktuk Wije’winen Gala fundraising event aims to raise $300,000 for the new facility development.
Most grocery stores and drug stores remain open, while NSLC stores, Halifax Public Libraries, banks and city-run recreation facilities are closed. On-street parking is free on Wednesday, and municipal solid waste collection services continue without change.
Halifax Transit buses and ferries operate on a holiday schedule, with all buses pulling over at 2:15 p.m. for a moment of silence. The Alderney ferry runs at half-hour frequency, but there is no Woodside ferry service on Wednesday.